What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive car insurance, you'll be covered even if forget your keys in your car. It is important to act immediately.
The longer it takes the more likely that your claim will be denied or subjected to a fraud investigation. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a frightening moment when you get to your car and realise you're not able to find your keys. It can ruin the day and be frustrating. It's important to be calm and rational. First, make sure you've checked everywhere in your pockets, bags and any other places where you may have put them. Also, take a walk back through the day - maybe you set them down somewhere or went inside your bag to retrieve your phone and knocked your keys out.
Contact the police if cannot locate them. It is crucial to inform the police about the loss of your car keys as soon as you can in order to aid the police in finding the keys and stop anyone from using your vehicle without your consent. Notifying your insurance company of the theft of your vehicle is crucial. This way, they can assist you obtain new keys.
Check your insurance policy to determine whether the loss of the vehicle is covered. Most policies cover a car that is stolen with keys in it however the terms and conditions may differ. Some companies don't cover personal belongings inside the car therefore you must check with your landlord or home insurance provider.
It is also advisable to contact the finance or leasing company if your vehicle is leased. They may be required to report the theft to the police as well. This will help them avoid being held accountable for the vehicle should it be stolen and can assist in speeding up the process of getting the vehicle back.
It is also recommended to install anti-theft devices in your vehicle to deter thieves. These can include a steering wheel lock and car alarm, or even a GPS tracker. These are more expensive to install, but can save you money by preventing theft. It is crucial to keep your vehicle in good working order and not park it in dangerous areas.
Call the police
If you are unable to locate your car and know it's stolen the first thing to do is call the police. They will give you a crime reference number which is essential in keeping track of the progress of the investigation. This can also assist with your insurance claim later on.
You'll need to provide a detailed description of your vehicle, including the make/model, color and the license plate number, as well as the VIN that can be found on your Proof of Insurance card (this could be either a physical document or an app on your smartphone). Please provide any additional information you have regarding the vehicle, including where you last saw it and the date you last saw it, as well as any distinctive features, such large dents, unique additions, or distinct scratches or marks.
It's important to notify your insurance company immediately after you submit a police complaint. This will help speed up the process and might even protect you from undue liability. If the person who stole your vehicle and causes an accident, you may be held responsible depending on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
NICB data shows that car thefts where keys are left in the car are on the rise. Every 32 seconds, a car with keys inside is taken in the United States. This results in a loss of more than $8 billion.
The best way to avoid this is to always lock your car and not leave valuables out in the open. Also, you should open your windows all the way and make sure you don't leave your car running without supervision. This is particularly true for keys that are in the car.
If you have renters or home' insurance, it may protect the items in your car if they're covered under these policies. If you had electronics in your car it is likely that they wouldn't be covered under this kind of policy.
It's also crucial to monitor your financial accounts carefully If you have personal documents in your car like paycheck stubs and receipts. They could be used to commit identity theft, and you'll need to inform your bank and other institutions as quickly as possible.
Find an extra key
Losing your car keys was not a huge problem in the past. You could get them duplicated for a small cost through your local key maker. Now, however, many automobiles have security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen car key without going to the automaker or dealer for help.
If you have a spare key, the first step is to put it somewhere safe and easy to access when you're at home. For instance, you might keep it in your home in a drawer that is specifically designed for it or in a box close to the door. You could also give an extra key to a friend or neighbor that you trust.
Contact your dealer and ask whether they can assist you. They'll likely be able to disable the stolen key fob so that it isn't able to start your car. This is a simple procedure, however it is contingent on the particular model and year of vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance will cover things like keys left behind in vehicles that have been stolen. The majority of auto insurance policies cover this type of protection however, you should verify your policy for specific information.
If your car was taken with keys inside, you should also file a police complaint. It is crucial to inform the lender if you have an unfinanced or leased vehicle. Insurance claims can even help you obtain a replacement key or replace your lost one.
Even if you are just taking a few seconds it is recommended to close the doors of your car to ensure that it is not stolen in the future. You should also consider putting in antitheft devices to make it more difficult for thieves to gain access to your vehicle. These include the locking of the steering wheel and brake pedal locks. It is also recommended to park in secure and well-lit areas and be sure to not leave valuables or the title of your car inside.
Contact your insurance company
If you have filed a police report and you have received a police report, you must contact your insurance company immediately. The majority of insurance companies have online systems that make the process quick and easy. Avoid delays and back-and forth by calling your agent directly instead of through the call center. Prepare to answer any questions. You will be asked to provide details about your vehicle, such as the year model, color license plate number, the model and make. They may also request other relevant details, such as the location and date of the theft. They will also want to know if the vehicle is equipped with any special features, like the GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, the car will be covered - regardless of the fact that keys were not put in the car. If you only have liability insurance, the car won't be covered. It is for this reason that you must have comprehensive coverage for your car.
Typically, your insurance will cover the actual cash value of your vehicle which is the value that was in the market for the vehicle at the time of the theft, less any applicable deductible. You may be asked to submit a third-party evaluation of your vehicle, so you should keep a copy in your file or look it up on the internet for.
Once the claim is processed and the claim is approved, you will be granted an opportunity to wait for a period of time that will vary depending on the insurer. During this period your insurance company will be looking for the vehicle that is to be recovered. If it is, you will receive reimbursement for the vehicle (minus your deductible).
If you're lucky, you might be able to get your vehicle back within the waiting period. If not, you'll receive the cash value (minus the deductible) of the vehicle you lost. You check here can use the funds to purchase a brand new car in the event that you decide to. Remember that any claims you file on your insurance policy will increase the cost of your insurance. Contact your agent if you're unsure whether you should make a claim.